In this April 17, 2017, runners in the 121st Boston Marathon head down the stretch to the finish line in Boston. (CHARLES KRUPA / AP)

The Boston and London Marathon have both been postponed over the escalation of the global coronavirus outbreak. 

The Rome, Paris, Barcelona and Rotterdam marathons have all been postponed or canceled

The Boston Marathon, originally scheduled to be held on April 20, has been postponed until mid-September, the city’s mayor said on Friday.

“Our expectation — and it’s an expectation and a hope right now — is that this date will get us to a safer place in relation to the spread of the coronavirus,” Marty Walsh said during a news conference.

READ MORE: Barcelona marathon postponed over coronavirus fears

The decision to postpone the Boston Marathon comes three days after Governor Charlie Baker declared a state of emergency in Massachusetts.

The London Marathon has been postponed from 26 April to 4 October, announced the organizers on Friday.

Every runner with a place will be able to use their place in the rescheduled event without any further payment. If they choose not to take part or are unable to do so, they will receive a refund of their entry fee.

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Runners may also choose to defer their entry to the 2021 race, which is scheduled for 25 April 2021, on payment of the entry fee for 2021, following the standard deferment process.

The Rome, Paris, Barcelona and Rotterdam marathons have all been postponed or canceled.